Shooting probe uncovers alleged meth lab, one suspect arrested
Garland County sheriff’s deputies who responded to a shooting Monday afternoon at a residence on Akers Road reportedly discovered a methamphetamine lab inside and arrested one of the residents, the alleged gunman, on multiple felony charges.
Ian Lee Rhodes, 39, the listed resident at 1276 Akers Road, was detained after deputies responded to the residence shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday. He was later charged with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms and possession of a controlled substance with purpose to deliver, each punishable by up to life in prison, unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate a crime and manufacturing meth, each punishable by up to 20
years, and possession of drug paraphernalia, punishable by up to six years.
The sheriff’s department initially received a call from a neighbor who heard someone say they had been shot. Deputies and Arkansas State Police who arrived at the scene found a white male with apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital by LifeNet, Garland County Under Sheriff Jason Lawrence told The Sentinel-Record Monday night.
Two other individuals were also detained on scene. Rhodes was the only one charged, but not in relation to the shooting. Sheriff’s Lt. Joel Ware confirmed Tuesday that Rhodes allegedly shot the victim, and said sheriff’s investigators will consult with the prosecuting attorney’s office “to see what they want him charged with in relation to the shooting.”
According to the affidavit, investigators with the 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force were contacted by sheriff ’s investigators around 8 p.m. regarding a possible meth lab found at the residence.
Investigators obtained a warrant to search the residence and reportedly found a 30-30 rifle, an SKS rifle, and a .22-caliber pistol, all belonging to Rhodes.
A further search of the residence uncovered several items in the bathroom commonly used in the manufacture of meth. Investigators also located multiple plastic baggies, a set of digital scales, used coffee filters, an amber bottle with a small amount of suspected meth and one bag containing 4.3 grams of what later tested positive for meth.
According to tax records, the property belongs to another party, and Rhodes confirmed he was renting the house.
Rhodes remained in custody Tuesday on zero bond and is set to appear May 15 in Garland County District Court.
The DTF is comprised of investigators from the Arkansas State Police, GCSD, Hot Springs Police Department, 18th Judicial District East prosecuting attorney’s office and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.